NFL Draft prospect profile: Jordan Battle

Measurement & Combine Results

Overview

Jordan Battle, a 4-star prospect out of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, initially committed to Ohio State before switching to Alabama. He played in all 54 games during his college career, with his production increasing each year. As a freshman, he played in 13 games, recording 19 tackles and one interception. He became a starter in his sophomore year, totaling 51 tackles and three pass breakups. As a junior, he played in 15 games, recording 63 tackles and three interceptions. And in his senior campaign, he played in 12 games, recording 42 tackles and one interception.

In the last two years, he was named 2x Second Team All-American by AFCA, 2x First Team All-SEC and 2x Third Team All-American by the Associated Press

Strengths

• Smart run defender and fills gaps quickly.
• Under Nick Saban’s scheme, he alternated between different defensive concepts. He excels in zone schemes where he can play freely.
• Tough, physical striker who can lay out pass catchers.

• Good in coverage. He has zone alert and tracks the quarterback’s eyes. In man to man he did a great job when covering tight ends and backs.
• Insurance Pick. He played in every game the past four seasons, finishing his career with 37-straight starts. Also, he was a regular player on special teams.

Weakness

• Average speed. But he seems better against other rookies in this class.
• Didn’t display the best instincts for running sideline-to-sideline plays.
• When aligned versus receivers, his technique lacks of the suddenness to stay with them.
• His tackling can lack explosiveness.

Draft Projection

Jordan Battle is a highly skilled and versatile safety with good football instincts. With his experience in Saban’s system, he is capable of playing multiple roles, including free safety in a two-high shell coverage, as seen in the Bills’ defense. He can also take on the responsibilities of a strong safety, positioning himself both near and far from the box.

Battle’s addition to the Bills would provide depth to the safety room in his rookie year. However, he has the potential to develop into a player with a similar skill set as Hyde or Poyer, both of whom are aging. Overall, Battle’s intelligence, experience, and completeness make him an excellent asset to any defense and an intriguing prospect.